Executive & Management Roundtables
If you are ready to jump in,
Need more information? There is plenty below and/or you can contact us with questions at any time. Our office is 616.531.5990 and our email is info@southkent.org.
IF – “You are looking for a group, or mastermind, that provides feedback on some business issues you are facing…”
IF – “You would find hearing from your peers speak of their own personal experiences in similar opportunities and challenges helpful…”
IF – “You would benefit from hearing different strategies owners, managers, and top executives used to overcome hurdles…”
THEN – One of the Executive & Management Roundtables are for you!
Business owners, managers, leaders, and top executives can participate in roundtables to discuss issues of interest to their businesses.
The Executive & Management Roundtable Program provides structured discussion groups of no more than 15 business executives, owners, leaders, and professionals. The same group of participants gathers in person each month in a confidential setting to discuss issues affecting their businesses.
Table Options (additional options as demand increases)
- Small / Startup Business: Small Businesses, Startup Businesses, New Entrepreneurs, and Businesses with fewer than 10 employees & less than $250,000 annual revenue.
- Executive/Senior Leadership: CEO, C-Suite, VP, Non-Profit Executive Directors, General Managers, Executive/Senior Leaders with 10+ employees & $250,000+ annual revenue.
- Sales, Marketing, Business Development: Individuals in any Sales, Marketing or Business Development capacity. This group focuses on both business strategy and sharing of leads/referrals.
- Business Young Pro: Business professionals 40 years of age or younger.
Enrollment
Enrollment is ongoing, and participants can be placed throughout the year. Priority will be given in the order the applications are received. The cost of participation is $120 for the 12-month program year that runs May – April annually. Payment will be processed upon placement. Fees are prorated on a quarterly basis for placements after the start date. Placements are not guaranteed and are made based on industry and seat availability.
Requirements:
- Must be a member in good standing with the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber
- Complete and submitted online application or renewal.
- Confirmation of job title and company
- Signed Confidentiality Attendance Agreement on file.
- $120 registration fee (your payment will be processed when placement with a table is confirmed)
- Regular, in person attendance is required for all participants.
- Tables meet in person monthly for 90 minutes.
- Placements are made based on industry and seat availability.
If are you interested in participating in the roundtable program or have questions, contact Keith Morgan for more information. Also, be sure to read our list of Frequently Asked Questions below.
Frequently Asked Questions: WKC Roundtables
I’m just hearing about this program. When can I start?
No worries! We accept applications all year long. Our goals is to place people immediately. Should you not attain placement you will be placed on a waiting list for consideration when the next seat becomes available.
How do I apply? Do I NEED to apply?
Yes. An application is required. An online application must be filled out and submitted for review and potential placement.
What roundtable program can I join?
We are offering several roundtable options. Your profession, role, and current responsibility will determine what group you can participate in. Depending on your role you may have multiple options
- Small / Startup Business: Small Businesses, Startup Businesses, New Entrepreneurs, and Businesses with fewer than 10 employees & less than $250,000 annual revenue.
- Executive/Senior Leadership: CEO, C-Suite, VP, Non-Profit Executive Directors, General Managers, Executive/Senior Leaders with 10+ employees & $250,000+ annual revenue.
- Sales, Marketing, Business Development: Individuals in any Sales, Marketing or Business Development capacity. This group focuses on both business strategy and sharing of leads/referrals.
- Business Young Pro: Business professionals 40 years of age or younger.
Apply Here
When does my roundtable meet?
Each roundtable sets their monthly meeting schedule for the same time and day. When the time is disclosed, members should reserve that time on his/her calendar for the 12-month session.
Do I need to set my schedule an entire year out. Is it ok to just go when I Can make It?
No. It is important for members to make a commitment to be at the scheduled meetings for the maximum benefit of all. We do understand that life happens and brings uncontrollable circumstances. We do offer our roundtable members the chance to miss up to three meetings a year, but not more than two in a row.
Do I have to pay $120 and wait for a table?
Fees will not be charged with application. Once we receive, review, and confirm placement you will be charged. For your records a receipt will be provided via email when fee is charged.
How are the discussions and topics chosen?
Each member of the roundtable hosts a meeting, preferably at their workplace if possible. The host creates and provides an agenda with the topic of the host’s choice. The agenda will be provided prior to the scheduled meeting.
The roundtable facilitator, a respected and trained member of the group, can help guide the organized discussion.
The facilitator is also the liaison to the Chamber for their respective roundtable.
The roundtable facilitator is your ‘go-to’ contact for your individual roundtable regarding the program, except placement and payment. Chamber staff members are involved in the actual meetings from time to time to provide updates and support.
What if I don’t have a space large enough to host the monthly meetings? Does this mean I can’t join?
Not at all! Small businesses make up 80% of Chamber membership and we understand not everyone has a large space available to host. Get creative and borrow a colleague’s or fellow Chamber members’ space or host your meeting off-site at a restaurant or other venue.
I already have a friend I know that’s in one of the roundtables, can I automatically be a part of their roundtable?
We focus on making the best placements possible for the roundtables and new participants. Many factors go into the placement. Several key factors we look at are individuals, roundtable composition, selecting non-competing industries and recognizing potential conflicts of interest.
I learned a great idea. Can I tell my colleagues about how my roundtable colleges handled their business problems?
This is a confidential program. All discussions and insights from your roundtable are not open for sharing or public consumption. To ensure everyone’s privacy and the integrity of the table, a Confidentiality Agreement is signed by each participant.
Can I pitch my products/services to business decision makers in my roundtable group?
No. ABSOLUTELY NO SELLING. We do understand bonds and friendships will form naturally and business will eventually happen between participants. While some will ultimately form bonds that lead to future business relationships or collaborations, roundtable members are strictly prohibited from pitching or selling to the group.
Participants in good standing with the Chamber will receive a renewal survey in which they outline preferences for continuing, moving to a new table, or ending their participation at the end of each 12-month session.
What if I don’t feel the roundtable is a good fit once I attend?
Most new participants quickly connect with the group. However, on the occasion if a good connection is just not possible, you may contact the Chamber Program Manager to share your concerns and request a new table placement, based on availability.
If I am self-employed and run my business alone is my contribution and advice valuable to someone in ‘corporate America’?
Yes. You have a completely different perspective that adds variety and provides unique knowledge to others. We have a combination of large and small businesses at each table, all views and experiences can contribute and can provide good insight.
What happens if I change jobs, restructuring happens, or I move to another industry? Do I get to stay with my round table group?
We take each change on a case-by-case basis and evaluate it appropriately. If you are in transition, you are given a limited time to retain a similar title/position with a non-conflicting Chamber member to remain on the table. If not, then we re-evaluate your participation based on your new title and spaces available at other tables.
How long do people stay with these roundtables?
Roundtables are a great resource. As a result, many people continue their participation from year to year. Several individuals have found roundtables to provide enough value that they have maintained a part of their roundtable for multiple years, therefore, there is no max amount of time as long as the group still fits your needs.